The park, which is part of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board system, offers spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding woods and prairie.
The park is just on the doorstep of Minneapolis, but offers abundant wildlife in action: deer foraging, a beaver felling trees, hawks and eagles soaring overhead. In summer, the prairie flowers provide ever-changing color.
There's a big Nature Room with tons of turtles, frogs, toads, snakes and lizards. The kids spent a lot of time getting up close and personal with the aquariums.
The display inside gives a great history lesson of the life the river had just a century ago when there were brick mills lining its sides and logs being transported along its waters. (That laid the foundation for more about logs when we visited Log Park a month later.) I was also fascinated by the tale told about how the interstate was created, what it cut through and removed, and how residents felt about it.
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| Foam blocks for building |
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| Dress-up clothes |
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| We checked out a backpack geared towards bird watching while we were there. |
Walking trails meander through the prairie and along the shores of the river. Bike trails traverse the park and connect with Webber parkway and commuter routes into downtown Minneapolis. There is a fishing pier in the extreme northern segment of the park.
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| You can get a cup (or two or three or more!) or bird seed at the front desk. The kiddos loved spreading out seed for the birds. |
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| The mighty Mississippi |
Further south, there is a play area featuring a wading pool, a state-of-the-art playground, and picnic tables, grills and shelters. A fishing pier and boat launch area are located in the southern part of the park.
Of course, the most fun the kids had was simply climbing on a huge brush pile! And the rocks. And under the picnic table!
Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
Phone: 763.694.7693
Address: 4900 Mississippi Court (Kroening Interpretive Center)
Minneapolis, MN 55430
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